U.S. patent application number 10/620270 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-24 for thumb and finger guide attachable to a computer mouse and a computer mouse incorporating same.
Invention is credited to Rogers, Gary.
Application Number | 20050062716 10/620270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37742096 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050062716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogers, Gary |
March 24, 2005 |
Thumb and finger guide attachable to a computer mouse and a
computer mouse incorporating same
Abstract
Thumb and finger guide structure for a computer mouse includes
two guides, one located on either side of the mouse. One guide is
designed to receive the user's thumb and the other is designed to
receive the user's little finger. The structure of the present
invention positions the user's thumb and little finger with the
user's hand in an open relaxed position. The structure allows the
mouse to be moved and lifted without gripping its lateral sides.
According to one embodiment, the guide structure of the present
invention is retro-fitted to an existing mouse by the use of a peel
and stick adhesive. According to another embodiment, a computer
mouse is provided with the guide structure integral to it and for
replacing an existing mouse.
Inventors: |
Rogers, Gary; (Northport,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Galgano & Burke
Suite 35
300 Rabo Drive
Hauppauge
NY
11788
US
|
Family ID: |
37742096 |
Appl. No.: |
10/620270 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10620270 |
Jul 15, 2003 |
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09527641 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/03543 20130101;
G06F 3/039 20130101; G06F 2203/0333 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/163 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A thumb and finger guide structure for use with a computer mouse
having a palm portion and two lateral opposite sides, said
structure comprising: a) a palm member dimensioned and shaped to
fit over the palm portion of the computer mouse; b) a thumb guide
extending from said palm member; c) a finger guide extending from
said palm member and spaced from said thumb guide, said finger
guide being spaced from said thumb guide by an amount approximately
equal to the distance between the thumb and little finger of the
hand of the intended user when the hand is in an open relaxed
position so that the structure supports the user's hand in an open
relaxed position and said guides being positioned such that the
mouse may be moved and lifted without said user's thumb and finger
gripping the two lateral opposite sides thereof; and d) means for
attaching said structure to an existing computer mouse.
2. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1, wherein
at least one of said thumb guide and said finger guide is disposed
generally above a side of said mouse.
3. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1,
wherein: said guides are generally outwardly and downwardly
opening, arcuate flanges.
4. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1, wherein
said guides are rings.
5. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1, wherein
said means for attaching comprise adhesive means.
6. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1,
wherein: said palm member is generally curved and shaped to support
an average adult palm when the hand is in an open relaxed
position.
7. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1,
wherein: said palm member, said thumb guide, and said finger guide
are formed as an integral plastic member.
8. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 7,
wherein: said palm member is at least partially covered with an
absorbent fabric.
9. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1, wherein
both of said thumb and finger supports are disposed generally above
opposite lateral sides of said mouse.
10. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 4,
additionally including means for adjusting the diameter of said
thumb and finger rings.
11. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1,
wherein said palm portion has an outline with a hand.
12. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 11,
wherein said outline of said hand is recessed in said palm.
13. A thumb and finger guide structure according to claim 1,
wherein said palm portion has two downwardly depending legs
positioned and dimensioned to straddle said mouse and including
means mounted thereon for affixing said legs to said mouse.
14. A computer mouse assembly comprising: a computer mouse having a
palm portion and two opposite lateral sides; and spaced-apart thumb
and finger guides attachable to said computer mouse, said finger
guide being spaced from said thumb guide by an amount approximately
equal to the distance between the thumb and the little finger of
the hand of the intended user when the hand is in an open relaxed
position so that the guides positions the user's hand in an open
relaxed position and said guides being positioned such that the
mouse may be moved and lifted without said user's thumb and finger
gripping the two opposite lateral sides thereof.
15. A computer mouse assembly according to claim 14, comprising a
palm member dimensioned and shaped to fit over the palm portion of
the computer mouse and which is attachable to said computer mouse,
said thumb and finger guides being attachable to said mouse via
said palm member.
16. A computer mouse assembly according to claim 14, wherein at
least one of said thumbs and said finger supports is disposed is
generally above a lateral side of said mouse.
17. The computer mouse assembly according to claim 14, wherein:
said guides are generally outwardly and downwardly opening, arcuate
flanges.
18. The computer mouse assembly according to claim 14, wherein:
said guides are rings.
19. A computer mouse assembly according to claim 14, wherein: said
palm member is generally curved and shaped to support an average
adult palm when the hand is in an open relaxed position.
20. A computer mouse assembly according to claim 18, wherein both
of said thumb and finger guides are disposed generally above
opposite lateral sides of said mouse.
21. A computer mouse assembly according to claim 18, additionally
including means for adjusting the diameter of said thumb and finger
rings.
22. A computer mouse assembly according to claim 14, wherein said
palm portion has an outline with a hand.
23. A computer mouse assembly according to claim 22, wherein said
outline of said hand is recessed in said palm portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/527,641 filed Mar. 17, 2000, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a computer mouse. More
particularly, the invention relates to a computer mouse having
thumb and finger supports and such supports which are attachable to
an existing computer mouse.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Most state of the art computers incorporate a computer mouse
which is used to select icons, menus, text, and other visible
selections displayed on the monitor screen associated with the
computer. The user will align a pointer on the screen with the
desired selection and then depress a mouse key to select the
selection. The computer mouse includes an internal track ball such
that when the bottom of the mouse is moved on an appropriate
surface, the ball rotates and the pointer moves on the screen. The
specific operation of the mouse is well understood to those skilled
in the art. The computer mouse operates in association with the
keyboard to make operation of the computer easier and more user
friendly.
[0006] As shown in prior art FIGS. 1-3, a computer mouse 10 is a
hand held device that includes a palm portion 12 and one or more
extended push-button selector switches 14, 16 18. As shown in prior
art FIGS. 2 and 3, a user will place his/her palm on the palm
portion 12 in a position so that his/her fingers are aligned with
the selector switches 14, 16, 18 to be able to readily depress the
switches when the pointer is aligned at the desirable location on
the screen. Typically, the user's palm will be positioned at a back
area of the palm portion 12 opposite to the selector switches so
that her finger tips will be contacting the selector switches. In
this position, the user's thumb rests against one side 20 of the
mouse. Depending on the number of mouse buttons (one, two, or
three) the user's middle finger, ring finger, or little finger
(respectively) will rest against the other side 22 of the mouse and
the mouse will be gripped between this finger and the user's
thumb.
[0007] Because many computer operations, uses, and activities
require long and continuous use of the mouse, the position of the
user's hand on the mouse may provide certain problems, such as
operator inaccuracy, discomfort, fatigue, achiness, cramps, etc.
Further, it has been documented that extended use of a computer
mouse may also cause other, more serious, health related problems
such as carpal tunnel syndrome. These problems can lead to
undesirable situations, such as loss of productivity, increased
health costs, and possibly permanent health results.
[0008] Different types of support devices used in conjunction with
a computer mouse are known in the art that are designed to reduce
the discomforts and health risks associated with extended use of
the computer mouse. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,888 issued to
Thomsen discloses a forearm support cradle for supporting the
forearm of a computer operator above a work surface as the
operator's hand and forearm are moved across the work surface to
operate a computer mouse. U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,270 issued to
Montague discloses a computer mouse pad incorporating a wrist rest
to provide a non-fatigue environment for manipulation of a computer
mouse. U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,647 issued to Rice discloses a palm rest
used in association with a computer mouse to allow the operator of
the mouse to rest her palm while activating the mouse to reduce
possible health related problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,277 issued to
Tjiri discloses a spherical palm support that is releasably
attached to a top surface of the computer mouse to allow the mouse
operator to rest her palm on the palm support when operating the
mouse.
[0009] Most of the prior art recognizes that part of the problem is
that the use's palm is typically not supported by the mouse when
the user grips the mouse to move it. None of the prior art
recognizes why the palm is not supported and none recognize that
the real cause of hand injury/fatigue is not the location of the
user's palm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
guide structure for a computer mouse which will relieve stress in
the user's hand,
[0011] It is also an object of the invention to provide a computer
mouse which incorporates such structure as well as to provide a
structure which can be retro-fitted to an existing mouse.
[0012] In accord with these objects, the guide structure of the
present invention includes two finger guides or supports. One
finger guide is intended for the user's thumb and the other is
intended for the user's ring or little finger and they are
positioned so to maintain the user's thumb and ring or little
finger in a relaxed open position where they cannot be used to grip
the sides of the mouse.
[0013] The present inventor has recognized that the real cause for
hand injury/fatigue is not the location of the user's palm, per se,
but is the location of the user's fingers which grip the sides of
the mouse. It is the gripping of the mouse between the thumb and
finger which stresses the user's hand. Users tend to grip the mouse
too tightly and often bring to bear the entire weight of their arm
against the fingers which are gripping the mouse.
[0014] The structure of the present invention maintains the user's
thumb and little finger in a position such that they cannot grip
the mouse and such that the user's hand is maintained in an open
relaxed position. According to one embodiment, the guide structure
of the present invention is retro-fitted to an existing mouse by
the use of a peel and stick adhesive. According to another
embodiment, a computer mouse is provided with the guide structure
integral to it and for replacing an existing mouse.
[0015] Preferred aspects of the invention include forming the
structure from molded plastic; providing the structure in different
colors for different colored mice; and covering the structure with
an absorbent fabric material.
[0016] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the
detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a broken perspective view of a prior art three
button computer mouse;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a broken side elevational view of a prior art
computer mouse being held in the hand of a user;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a broken perspective view of a prior art computer
mouse being held in the hand of a user;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the
finger guide structure of the invention for retro-fitting to an
existing prior art computer mouse;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a broken side elevational view of the first
embodiment of the invention attached to an existing prior art
computer mouse;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a broken top plan view of a second embodiment of
the invention attached to an existing prior art computer mouse;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a broken end elevational view of the second
embodiment of the invention attached to an existing prior art
computer mouse;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a broken perspective view of the second embodiment
of the invention attached to an existing prior art computer mouse
being held in the hand of a user;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a broken top plan view of a third embodiment of
the invention incorporated as a feature of a new computer mouse;
and
[0026] FIG. 10 is a broken end elevational view of the third
embodiment of the invention incorporated as a feature of a new
computer mouse.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the
invention for retro-fitting to an existing prior art computer
mouse;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the fourth embodiment
of the invention attached to an existing prior art computer
mouse;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the
invention and as shown attached to an existing prior art computer
mouse;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a broken end elevational view of the fifth
attached to an existing prior art computer mouse;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a broken perspective view of the fifth embodiment
of the invention attached to an existing prior art computer mouse
being held in the hand of a user;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a broken top plan view of a sixth embodiment of
the invention incorporated as a feature of a new computer mouse;
and
[0033] FIG. 17 is a broken end elevational view of the sixth
embodiment of the invention incorporated as a feature of a new
computer mouse, and showing in phantom line, the positioning of the
intended use's fingers; and
[0034] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of the
invention attached to an existing prior art mouse wherein the guide
structure includes an imprinted or outlined hand palm portion for
assisting in correctly positioning the user's hand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first exemplary embodiment
of the thumb and finger guide structure 100 according to the
invention includes a palm portion 102, a thumb ring 104, a finger
ring 106, and an adhesive backing 108. Although these simplified
drawings appear to show the thumb and finger rings being the same
size, the thumb ring 104 is dimensioned to receive an average adult
thumb and the finger ring 106 is dimensioned to receive an average
adult little or pinky finger when designed for a three button
mouse. The overall dimensions of the palm portion 102 and the
spacing between the thumb ring 104 and the finger ring 106 are such
that, when the structure 100 is attached to an existing mouse 10 as
shown in FIG. 5, the thumb ring and the finger ring are spaced
apart by an amount approximately to the distance between the thumb
and little finger of an average adult hand when the hand is in an
open relaxed position. The thumb ring 104 and/or the finger ring
106 are also preferably positioned above the lateral sides of the
mouse 10 so as to prevent the user from gripping the sides of the
mouse 10.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the palm portion 102 is
dimensioned and shaped to fit over the palm portion 12 of an
existing mouse 10. The adhesive backing (preferably peel and stick)
108 is used to couple the guide structure 100 to the mouse 10; of
course, other coupling means such as Velcro.RTM. hook and loop
mechanical fasteners could be employed. Although the simplified
drawings show the structure 100 to be symmetrical, the thumb and
finger rings are more likely different sizes as mentioned above. In
addition, the finger rings are angled to encourage expansion of the
hand's fingers. Nevertheless, when designed for use with a two
button or single button mouse, the finger ring may be dimensioned
to receive the ring finger or middle finger.
[0037] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is
preferably made of a rigid material such as molded plastic. It is
contemplated by the invention, however, that it may be desirable to
cover the plastic with an absorbent fabric. As mentioned above, the
plastic and/or the fabric may be made available in a variety of
colors.
[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 6-8, a more refined embodiment of the
guide structure 100' is similar to the exemplary embodiment 100
with similar reference numerals referring to similar features. As
shown in FIGS. 6-8, the palm portion 102' in this embodiment is
somewhat larger than in the previous embodiment. It is also broader
in the sense that the structure fits over a mouse 10 like a "wing".
This provides better support for the palm in an open, relaxed
position with the thumb and little finger appropriately spaced
apart. The thumb ring 104' is located closer to the user's wrist
than the finger ring 106', conforming to the actual location of the
thumb. The thumb and finger rings 104' and 106' are optionally made
with openable and closable straps 105, 105', and 107, and 107',
respectively, which are releasably affixed together by Velcro.RTM.
mechanical hook and loop fasteners 109 or the like. This permits
the ring diameter to be adjusted comfortably to fit the fingers of
the particular user.
[0039] As mentioned above, the invention, though originally
conceived as an attachment for an existing mouse, may be
incorporated into a new mouse. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate in a
simplified way how a new mouse 200 can incorporate the features of
the invention. The mouse 200 resembles a conventional mouse having
a palm portion 212 and three buttons 214, 216, 218. As specifically
shown in FIG. 9, a thumb ring 204 has been added at a rearward
position and a finger ring 206 has been added at a more forward
position on the mouse 200. As shown in FIG. 10, one or both of
thumb support 204 and finger support 206 are preferably positioned
adjacent upper portion of the lateral sides of the mouse 200 but
such that the hand can be maintained in an open relaxed position
without cupping and gripping the lateral sides thereof. This
embodiment may only be suitable for a child or a person with a
small hand as with the rings alone, the hand is somewhat
constrained in a tight fingers together position. Nevertheless,
from the foregoing, those skilled in the art will also appreciate
that a mouse may also be constructed for adults with a broader palm
support, preferably as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0040] FIGS. 11 and 12 disclose a further embodiment of the
invention which comprises a thumb and finger guide structure 100"
which include a generally oval-shaped palm portion 102" having an
adhesive backing 108" similar to the earlier embodiments, but
instead of the thumb ring 104 and a finger ring 106, has generally,
downwardly-opening, arcuate-shaped thumb guide 104" and finger ring
guide 106". The overall dimensions of the palm portion 102" and the
spacing between the thumb guide 104" and the finger ring guide 106"
as well as the angled position thereof are such that, when the
structure 100" is attached to an existing mouse 10 (see FIG. 12),
the thumb finger guide and the ring finger guide are spaced apart
by an amount approximately equal to the distance between the thumb
and little finger of an average adult hand when the hand is in an
open relaxed position. Here too, one or both of the finger guides
are preferably positioned generally adjacent the top of, or above
the lateral sides of the mouse to prevent gripping of the lateral
sides by the user.
[0041] The embodiment shown in the FIGS. 11 and 12 are similar to
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in that the palm portion 102"
is dimensioned and shaped to fit over the palm portion 12 of an
existing mouse. Although the simplified drawing showed the
structure 100" to be symmetrical, the thumb and finger guides 104",
106" are more likely differently sized to accommodate the sizes of
an average adult thumb and small or pinky finger. In addition, the
finger supports are angled to encourage expansion of the hand's
fingers. Nevertheless, when designed for use with a two button or
single button mouse, the finger guides may be dimensioned to
receive the ring finger or middle finger of the user.
[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, this further embodiment is
similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, with similar
reference numerals referring to similar features. More
specifically, the palm portion 102'" in this embodiment is somewhat
larger than in the previous embodiment so they assume their normal
relaxed open position. The thumb guide 104'" is located closer to
the user's wrist than the finger guide 106'" conforming to the
actual location of the thumb. As noted above, the generally
outwardly, and downwardly opening, arcuate shape thumb and finger
guides 104'" and 106'" have a generally elbow, dog-eared or arcuate
configuration which permits the thumb and finger of the user to
rest comfortably thereunder as shown best in FIG. 15. By the use of
these outwardly and downwardly-opening, arcuate, elbow-like guides
or lugs 104'" and 106'", the thumb and finger of the user can be
easily slid thereunder during use and easily slid out from
thereunder when not in use. This avoids the need for a fully
enclosed or encircling thumb and finger ring shown such as in the
embodiment of FIGS. 4-10. Nevertheless, the guides while allowing
easy and facile entry and removal one's fingers from the structure,
still affords sufficient "overhead" contact with the user's fingers
to allow the user to easily lift and move the mouse while still
preventing the user from gripping the lateral sides of the computer
mouse (as does the other embodiments) while maintaining the hand in
an open natural position to reduce stress and fatigue.
[0043] As seen best in FIG. 14, mouse 10 is adhesively attached to
palm portion 102'" via adhesive patch 108'". Optionally, palm
portion 102'" is provided with two spaced apart
downwardly-depending lugs 103 which straddle mouse 10 and which are
provided with self-sticking pads 103' by which they can be affixed
to the lower lateral sides of mouse 10.
[0044] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention comparable to FIGS. 9 and 10 in that it may be
incorporated into a new mouse 200 having a palm portion 212 and
three buttons 214, 216, 218. Two resilient, bendable dog-ear like
tabs 104"" and 106"" are incorporated in mouse 200 which extend
laterally outward from opposite lateral sides of mouse 200 which
are disposed generally near the top of the sides. The intended
position of one's fingers are shown in phantom line in FIG. 17. As
in the other embodiments, one on both of the thumb and finger tabs
104"" and 106"" are positioned so as to prevent the user from
gripping the sides of the mouse 200. As can be appreciated, the
tabs via bending can be optimally adjusted to accommodate the
user's hand.
[0045] FIG. 18 discloses a further embodiment of the invention
wherein the thumb and finger guide and supporting structure 100""
has the wing-like palm portion 102"" with the outline of the user's
head formed thereon to show the correct positioning of the user's
fingers. Preferably, the outline is recessed in the palm portion to
provide a more ergometric positioning of the user's hand. The thumb
guide 104'" and finger guide 106'" are the same as shown in FIGS.
13-15. In this embodiment, palm portion 103'" is covered with a
fabric material.
[0046] There have been described and illustrated herein several
embodiments of a thumb and finger support for a computer mouse.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been described,
it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is
intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will
allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while the
invention has been disclosed as being dimensioned to fit an average
adult hand, it will be appreciated that the invention could be made
in a variety of sizes to fit large and small hands. Also, while
embodiments have been shown which are clearly intended for use with
a right hand, it will be recognized that left handed versions of
the invention could be provided.
[0047] While the embodiments illustrated are shown and described as
preferably being either an "add-on" to a conventional mouse or as
being incorporated as a feature in a newly-designed mouse, the
embodiments can be modified to suit either particular intended
use.
[0048] It should be realized from the foregoing that it is the
purpose of the thumb and finger guides to maintain the user's hand
in an open relaxed position when operating the mouse and to prevent
the user from gripping the sides of the mouse with his thumb and
little or pinky finger which can cause stress in one's hand. This
is advantageously accomplished by the invention by positioning one
or both of the guides generally above the lateral sides of the
mouse. However, this is not necessarily required. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the thumb and finger guides position the
thumb and finger generally adjacent to the upper ends of the
lateral sides of the mouse, but even so positioned, the thumb and
finger of the user are positioned such that the hand is maintained
in an open relaxed positioned and so that the user's thumb and
small finger cannot effectively grip the sides of the mouse since
they are generally positioned out and away from the lateral
sides.
[0049] While various materials may be used, the guide and/or
support structure is preferably made of a rigid material such as
molded plastic, although the finger guides or tabs can be made of a
resilient, bendable or yieldable metal or plastic material to
accommodate a wide range of thumb and finger dimensions. It is also
contemplated by the invention, that it may be desirable to cover
the plastic with an absorbent fabric. As mentioned above, the
plastic and/or the fabric may be made available in a variety of
colors.
[0050] It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that yet other modifications could be made to the provided
invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as so
claimed.
* * * * *